Children’s discovery of hidden ammunition calls for vigilance in post-conflict Acholi

The discovery of four firearm magazines loaded with 84 rounds of live ammunition by two children in Lamwo district has renewed concerns about the continued presence of unexploded and abandoned war-related materials in communities across northern Uganda.

The ammunition was found concealed inside a green gumboot in a bean garden in Ngomwegi cell, Gangdyang ward, Padibe town council, after two juveniles noticed the unusual object while moving through the garden.

Instead of handling the items further, the children immediately alerted local leaders, setting in motion a response that security officials say demonstrates the importance of community awareness and responsible reporting.

According to police, the area was secured shortly after the report was made, and officers recovered four firearm magazines containing 84 rounds of live ammunition. A second green gumboot was also found nearby, although it contained no additional exhibits.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the magazines had become rusty, suggesting they had remained exposed to the elements for a long period.

Security agencies are conducting ballistic examinations and investigations to determine where the ammunition came from, who may have hidden it and whether it is linked to any past or recent criminal activity.

Although no arrests have been made, the incident has highlighted an issue that occasionally resurfaces in parts of the Acholi sub-region, where decades of armed conflict left behind abandoned weapons, ammunition and unexploded ordnance.

Security experts note that while significant progress has been made in recovering illegal firearms since the end of the Lord’s Resistance Army insurgency, isolated discoveries continue to occur, particularly during farming, construction and land-clearing activities.

Kidega Joe, a local council leader in Padibe town council, commended the children’s decision to report the discovery instead of attempting to open or move the items themselves.

“Their actions prevented what could have been a dangerous situation. We encourage everyone in the community, especially children, to report suspicious objects immediately rather than touching them,” he said.

Residents say continued public awareness is important because many young people were born after the conflict and may not recognise abandoned military equipment or understand the risks associated with it.

Sarah Ajok, a resident of Padibe town council, said regular community sensitisation can help save lives.

“Some children may think such objects are toys or scrap metal. Parents, teachers and local leaders need to keep reminding them never to touch anything that looks suspicious,” she said.

Farmers, who spend much of their time cultivating land, are among those most likely to encounter hidden ammunition or other dangerous objects.

Okello Jaspher, a farmer from Lamwo district, said the discovery should encourage communities to remain cautious during farming activities.

“Every farming season we dig new gardens. If someone finds anything unusual, they should stop working and inform the authorities immediately. Safety must come first,” he said.

SP Magombe Regan, the Lamwo District Police Commander, says security officials have consistently urged members of the public not to handle suspected firearms, ammunition or explosive devices because even old or rusty munitions can remain dangerous.

He said: “Instead, residents are advised to mark the location from a safe distance and notify police, local leaders or the Uganda People’s Defence Forces so trained personnel can safely recover the items.”

Community policing initiatives have also strengthened cooperation between residents and security agencies by encouraging timely reporting of suspicious activities and abandoned materials.

DPC says such partnerships have helped improve public safety while supporting investigations into illegal firearms and ammunition circulation.

The latest recovery underscores how ordinary citizens including children can play a critical role in preventing accidents and strengthening community security.

As investigations continue, authorities are urging residents across Lamwo and the wider Acholi sub-region to remain alert and promptly report any suspicious objects discovered in gardens, abandoned buildings or other public places, reinforcing the message that community vigilance remains one of the strongest tools in keeping neighborhoods safe.